Putting the Foster flip in perspective: AU wins the battle, Tide moves on -- and it might not be over

Reuben Foster switched his commitment from Alabama to Auburn after being committed to the Tide for over a year. (Photo courtesy of 247Sports)

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama -- For Auburn, it was a coup. And a long time coming.

Linebacker Reuben Foster's flip from Alabama to Auburn on Thursday gives Auburn the consensus No. 2-rated player in the nation and the No. 1 player in Alabama.

It also ends a string of high-profile flips to the other side of the state.

Most recently, running back T.J. Yel­don of Daphne flipped from Auburn to Alabama weeks before signing day to fin­ish the Class of 2012. A year earlier, Brent Calloway and Cyrus Kouandjio both flipped from Alabama to Auburn -- and back to Alabama.

One of Nick Saban's first recruiting switches was getting Hoover defensive tackle Josh Chapman to take the pledge in 2007. Two years later, linebacker Jona­than Atchison did the same thing late in the process. Both were originally Auburn commitments.

"Auburn has been on the wrong end of the commitment switches in recent years," said Justin Hokanson of Au­burnSports. com. "Auburn finally got one back."

The possibility of Foster flipping from Alabama has been a hot topic for months. We addressed it in an interview with him last spring.

And his latest commitment may not be the end all. Alabama isn't likely to back off. Neither will Georgia -- Foster is a na­tive Georgian after all.

For now, Auburn has the upper hand based on current status and geography.

Foster transferred to Auburn High School, so he can attend college with a five-minute commute.

If he sticks to the plan.

His flip, however, will only raise the in­tensity of the recruiting rivalry between Alabama and Auburn.

Foster didn't merely switch schools. In what seems like an orchestrated move, he echoed the same sentiments -- and nearly identical sentences -- Yeldon used when he reneged on Auburn for Alabama.

That wasn't lost on fans of either school or the recruiting analysts who cover the battles.

"To be honest, I've seen a lot worse than that," said Tim Watts of BamaOnLine. com. "I think when you realize it's the South, it's recruiting and it's Alabama- Auburn, anything is possible. I'm sure there will be some upset fans, but for the most part I think surprised is the best word."

With that in mind, I asked Hokanson and Watts for their take on the Foster switch and what it means to the recruiting efforts of both Alabama and Auburn.

> How big of a loss is this for Alabama? -- Not as big as one would expect, said Watts, who pointed out that linebacker -- even an impact one like Foster -- is not a top priority for the Crimson Tide this season.

"But I think any time you lose out on a top-10 recruit, it stings. Foster is one of the nation's elite prospects and a terrific talent, so he was a guy any coach would want in his program," Watts said.

> How big of a gain is this for Auburn? -- For Auburn, it's huge on two fronts. Hokanson said it gives the Tigers a great fit for Brian VanGorder's revamped, attacking defense, as well as the bluest of blue-chippers at the linebacker position.

"Gaining a commitment from Foster is massive," Hokanson said. "He's a big-time playmaker and will play middle linebacker for Auburn."

Like Foster, T.J. Yeldon made a controversial flip before signing. (The Birmingham News/Mark Almond)

> Who wins in the battle of perception -- For Auburn, it may be akin to stopping an Iron Bowl losing streak. It's huge.

"It's a big shot in the arm," Hokanson said. "Auburn has been on the wrong end of the commitment switches in recent years."

Watts believes Alabama is the loser here, based just on the personnel and recognition. But what's more important is the big picture.

"I think perception is the big factor here," Watts said. "The fact he committed to Auburn after decommitting is something the rivals school can brag about. But overall Alabama will fill that void with another talented player and have a highly ranked class."

> Is Foster's recruitment truly over? -- Hokanson said it would be foolish for Auburn to think other schools, including Alabama, will simply fade away. But he believes a number of factors play in favor of the hometown school.

"First, Foster goes to Auburn High School, lives in Auburn, and it will be hard for the Auburn staff to not know what's going on with his recruitment, if Alabama began to make a run," Hokanson said.

"Second, Foster plays on the same high school team with the sons of two Auburn assistant coaches: Cameron Luper (Curtis) and Blaise Taylor (Trooper). Those relationships undoubtedly play in Auburn's favor. It's never over, but Foster appears very comfortable with his decision right now."

Watts pointed out that when Foster was in Oregon for The Opening, the Nikesponsored combined for elite national prospects, the prospect made a side recruiting trip to the University of Washington.

So, in a word, Foster's recruitment is ongoing.

"With Foster I would say it's never over -- not until he is officially signed and qualified," Watts said. "He has been all over the place and his switching commitments was not a very big surprise."